Good oil: the latest on cannabidiol treatments

In early 2021, the TGA approved low-dose cannabidiol, or CBD, to be available overthe-counter in Australian pharmacies, meaning a prescription is no longer required. Here’s what you need to know.

What it is:

The cannabis plant (also called hemp or marijuana) yields extracts with two main chemical components. There’s THC, the psychoactive ingredient responsible for giving people the high feeling, and cannabidiol or CBD, which does not have a psychoactive or psychotropic effect.

How it works:

Endocannabinoid receptors, found throughout our body and brain, form part of the endocannabinoid system. It’s believed CBD either stimulates CB1 receptors, mostly found in the central nervous system, so they produce more endocannabinoids, or prevents them degrading so they last longer in the body.

The science:

Researchers have been looking at the therapeutic uses of CBD for many years. Low-dose CBD, according to clinical research, may reduce or improve anxiety, sleep issues, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. Most recently, studies have also shown CBD may help reduce seizures in severe forms of epilepsy and the excessive lung inflammation killing people with COVID-19. In terms of safety, CBD is a non-toxic substance that has shown minimal side-effects, however it should be noted CBD is not a cure-all and may not work for everyone, nor may it affect everyone the same way.

How do you take it:

CBD is most often suspended in carrier oil, which you take orally and hold under your tongue before swallowing. It can also appear in capsules, lozenges and gummies. The maximum daily dose approved by the TGA is 150mg/day.

The expert says:

Clinical Research Associate Danielle McCartney, from the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney, says “early stage clinical trials suggest that CBD could be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Some (albeit weaker) observational evidence also suggests it may aid sleep and reduce chronic pain, however this evidence is based on doses of and above 300mg.”

Where to find it:

While it is now legal for pharmacies to sell low-dose CBD, companies must jump through a number of hoops (including clinical trials) before they can sell their product. For us, that means we’ll likely be able to buy it early in 2023.